mid-division, headway entering final furlong, ridden and ran on strongly to lead final 50 yards
dwelt in rear, never near leader
raced wide, in touch, ridden and every chance over 1f out, weakened final furlong
dwelt, always in rear
in rear, ridden and headway entering final furlong, not trouble leaders
tracked leaders, ridden 2f out, stayed on to go 2nd post
led, ridden over 2f out, joined 1f out, headed final 50 yards and lost 2nd post
mid-division, ridden 3f out, stayed on towards finish, never dangerous
tracked leaders,ridden 3f out, weakened inside final furlong
always towards rear
tracked leader, ridden over 2f out, joined leader and every chance 1f out, no extra towards finish
The ground is likely to have a huge bearing on this race with the likes of Grand Zafeen and Our Piccadilly, who both go well here, unlikely to be seen to their best if conditions are on the slow side. As that appears likely we'll focus instead on those with form on the ground and side with RUSSIAN RAVE. Our pick really impressed when landing a Salisbury handicap when dropped to this trip earlier on this summer and she showed last time that cut in the ground isn't a problem and what she really needs is a strong pace. That appears likely with Dream Number and Yurituni present, so she's taken to pick them up late on. Superior Edge looks the pick of the stable's pair and did well to win at Nottingham for which she's only been penalised with a 2lb rise and rates a threat along with Basle who will enjoy conditions and receive maximum assistance from the saddle.
Ray of Joy 14-1 (9-8) Hampered start, tracked leaders, not clear run over 2f out, switched right well over 1f out, stayed on towards finish, no threat, 5th of 8, 2l behind Efistorm (9-7) at Folkestone 5f hcp 0-80 (4) gd in Aug.
Grand Zafeen 10-1 (9-5) Slowly into stride, held up in rear, good headway on inside over 1f out, quickened between horses to lead inside final furlong, ran on well, won at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol beating Fawley Green (9-4) by 1l, 9 ran.
Yurituni 14-1 (9-6) Led after 1f, made rest, ridden and hard pressed when edged right inside final furlong, edged left final strides, held on, won at Pontefract 5f hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Sep beating Littlemisssunshine (8-11) by 1/2l, 10 ran.
Basle (8-7) 98th of 20, 14l behind Auendon (8-13) at Maisons-laffitte(FR) 6f 3yo clm sft in Sep.
Requisite 7-1 (9-4) Slowly into stride, held up in rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on, 4th of 9, 2l behind Defector (9-1) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Sep.
Superior Edge 12-1 (9-4) Chased leaders, hard ridden 2f out, kept on under pressure to lead near finish, won at Nottingham 5f 3yo hcp 0-75 (5) gs in Sep beating Bilash (8-11) by hd, 12 ran.
Sharpened Edge 25-1 (8-4) Went right start, soon chased leader ridden and edged left halfway, weakening when slightly hampered well over 1f out, last of 10, 12l behind Captain Carey (8-11) at Chepstow 5f hcp 0-95 (3) gf in May.
Russian Rave 12-1 (8-11) Behind centre, headway over 11f out, stayed on to 3rd final 50 yards, 3rd of 13, 2 3/4l behind Mirza (9-5) at Salisbury 6f hcp 0-85 (4) sft in Sep.
Our Piccadilly (IRE) 20-1 (8-8) In touch, ridden over 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 8th of 9, 10l behind Drawnfromthepast (9-10) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Key Light (IRE) 16-1 (9-3) Chased leaders, lost place well over 2f out, 9th of 12, 6l behind Vintage (9-7) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Sep.
Dream Number (IRE) 11-1 (9-4) Prominent, ridden over 1f out, one pace final furlong, 6th of 12, 4l behind Earlsmedic (9-5) at Ffos Las 6f hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Sep.
